Must Visit: Christkindlmarkt

If you’re looking for a unique experience this holiday season, or at least some unique gifts, plan a visit to Germany between mid November and Christmas for any of the hundreds of German Christmas markets, or Christkindlmarkt.

These markets began over 400 years ago, in the late German speaking parts of Europe in celebration of Advent.

Open squares in city centers transform into wonderlands of lights, food, song and dance. Many Christmas markets debut live nativity scenes in the opening days, and others displays of traditional songs and dance.

The smells of cinnamon, mulled wine, and classic German sausage permeate the air and hundreds of open stalls, adorned floor to roof with exotic trinkets invite you to have a look and stay a while. Some of the more popular items include nutcrackers, gingerbread cookies, and dried plum figurines.

If Germany seems a bit too far away, experience the German Christkindlemarkt a bit closer to home, in Chicago, Illinois.